At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security incidents from start to finish and hunt for hidden threats.
- Company: Established managed services organisation in Reading with a strong SOC team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentor junior analysts and contribute to compliance efforts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity and enhance your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SOC environments and hands-on with SIEM and EDR platforms.
We’re working with a well-established managed services organisation in Reading to find a Senior Security Analyst to join their growing SOC function. This is a hands-on role for someone who genuinely enjoys the detection-and-response side of security – not just monitoring alerts, but tuning the rules behind them, automating the boring bits, and hunting for the threats nobody’s noticed yet.
You’ll be at the sharp end of incident response, working across SIEM, EDR and XDR platforms, with real ownership over the full incident lifecycle from triage through to closure.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning security incidents end-to-end – triage, investigation, remediation, closure
- Running advanced investigations across SIEM, EDR and XDR platforms
- Designing and tuning SIEM detection rules to cut down false positives
- Mapping detection and response work against the MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Building automated security workflows using tools like Logic Apps, Python and APIs
- Proactively threat hunting using behavioural analytics and threat intelligence
- Monitoring and responding to security events across Azure, Microsoft 365 and AWS
- Investigating identity-based threats – suspicious sign-ins, privilege escalation, that kind of thing
- Supporting endpoint security (EDR, AV, patching)
- Acting as an escalation point for complex or high-risk incidents
- Supporting ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials compliance
- Mentoring junior analysts and the wider service desk team
What you’ll bring:
- Solid experience in a Security Operations or SOC environment
- Hands-on experience with SIEM, EDR and SOAR platforms
- Proven detection engineering and SIEM rule-tuning experience
- Strong grasp of MITRE ATT&CK and similar threat frameworks
- Experience automating processes with Python, Logic Apps or APIs
- Comfortable investigating incidents across cloud, identity and endpoint environments
- Experience with platforms like Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR, CrowdStrike or similar
- Knowledge of Azure/AWS security monitoring
- Understanding of ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials
- CISSP or similar certification desirable but not essential
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Analyst in Reading
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Xact Placements Ltd, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Xact Placements Ltd
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Xact Placements Ltd. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Xact Placements Ltd insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Xact Placements Ltd that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Xact Placements Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Xact Placements Ltd to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Xact Placements Ltd.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
